Q&A for How to Get Rid of Aphids

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My crepe myrtles are as tall as my house. What is the spray formula to address aphids on a larger plant like this? I tried spraying them with a garden hose, but that didn't solve my problem.

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Consider using a ladder to get closer to the infestation. Use horticultural soap or neem oil in a sprayer connected to your hose. Treat the crepe myrtle early in the summer as soon as the aphids are present and retreat every few weeks.

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I live in the Sacramento area of California. I had many aphids in my garden this year. They were introduced on some fava bean plants and then spread to my cucumbers, green beans and kale. Will they "overwinter" in the garden soil? Or will they be gone in the spring?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

They will likely return in the spring or summer. Treat aphid infestations as soon as possible to reduce the chances of recurrence.

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Can aphids live in soil?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

While most species of aphids live on the leaves of plants, some species, such as the root aphid, live in the soil and attack plants at the root. These aphids often move into your garden in commercial soils. You can avoid this by making your own compost or buying locally produced soil at a plant nursery.

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What will eat aphids?

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Staff Answer

Aphids have many natural enemies, including ladybugs, lacewings, damselflies, blister beetles, and parasitic wasps. To attract these beneficial bugs, plant flowers such as Queen Anne’s lace, coneflowers, and alyssum.

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How do you kill aphids naturally?

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One of the best methods of aphid control is to attract beneficial bugs to your garden that will eat the aphids. Ladybugs are the most famous aphid eaters, but lacewings, damselflies, and certain wasps (like ichneumons, which look scary but are generally harmless to humans) are also natural enemies of the aphid. Fill your garden with plenty of nectar and pollen-rich flowers, like Queen Anne’s lace and coneflowers, to attract them. You can also blast aphids off your plants with a hose, which won’t harm the beneficial bugs in your garden.

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I have heard that ants feed on aphids. Is that true?

Pest Control

Community Answer

The short answer is “no”; they coexist in a world that is beneficial to both species. Ants harvest the honeydew secreted by aphids, a benefit to the ant. Ants also feed on the eggs of ladybugs (a predator of the aphid), thus providing a benefit to the Aphid.

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Does a weak solution of bleach work on garden plants?

Caeiia

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Even weak solutions can burn the plant and any beneficial insects/worms living near the plant. Bleach can contaminate the soil as well, so no.

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How do I get rid of ants in my garden?

Community Answer

Try the methods in Get Rid of Ants Outside .

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